Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/12/16

Happy Saturday, I hope everyone is well recovered following the Orlando City game last night. Not quite ready to take off your purple jersey? Fill your need for all things Orlando City with these Lion Links.
Disappointing Draw
Orlando City didn't get the three points it wanted against 10-man Chicago last night, but the Lions are still unbeaten on this young 2016 MLS season. Here is our game coverage, with more to come later this morning:
- Gavin Ewbank's match recap.
- Michael Citro's player grades and Man of the Match.
Antonio Nocerino to be Fully Fit in Two Games
Antonio Nocerino has finally arrived to the Sunshine State, and Orlando City fans have been on the edge of their seats in anticipation for him to take the field in purple. In a recent interview, Nocerino said that he will only need two games to be fully fit for Orlando, meaning he could be in top form by April 3, when the Portland Timbers come to town. Until then, Nocerino is excited to get some playing time, getting a feel for the field and style of play that Orlando possesses. Nocerino also spoke on his desire for Kaká to be back and heathy, and on his role in bringing him to the MLS. He was introduced at the home opener to 65,000 fans, all eager for his arrival, only providing him with a higher impression of the league and encouragement that he made the right choice in moving to Florida, and he made his debut last night.
Servando Carrasco May Have a Career in the NFL
In the home opener for Orlando, Servando Carrasco sent a ball flying from one end of the field to another, landing perfectly in the box which led to a goal. After the cheers died down and the fans left the stadium, Carrasco found himself at home with his father-in-law, watching the kick that sent fans wild. A joke was made that after his MLS career ended he may have a career in the NFL as a kicker, to which Carrasco laughed and said that maybe one day he would play for the San Diego Chargers. In most cases this would seem like a long shot, however, the Chargers' current kicker, Josh Lambo, is a former professional soccer player. While he may not take the chance to transfer to American football, his performance may have earned him another chance to start.
Orlando City B Adds Three More Players
Orlando City B deepened its roster with the acquisition of Antonio Matarazzo, Keegan Smith, and Alejandro Garcia on Saturday. Matarazzo comes to Orlando following a four-year career at Columbia University. In his final year at the Ivy League school, Matarazzo was named to the All-Ivy League second team and finished second in minutes played. He plays well in both midfield and defense and has promising potential. Smith joins Orlando after being selected in the second-round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the Montreal Impact. Smith previously played four years at the University of San Diego, netting 13 goals and six assists. Smith is a valuable striker, having played with both the United States Men’s National U-15 and U-17 teams. Finally, Garcia arrives in Orlando coming off of a stellar season at the University of Cincinnati, where he scored 10 goals and notched two assists. Garcia came in for preseason with the B team and impressed his way to a contract. All three players will compete to play as Orlando City B prepares for the United Soccer League to being official matches.
Orlando Pride Players Receive Physicals
The majority of Orlando Pride’s players have finally arrived in Orlando from their various home towns — many arrived in time to take in Orlando City’s home opener last Sunday. Yesterday, Pride players reported to Orlando Health for their physicals and check-ups. This is the first step in beginning the process of training for the home opener. The players described it as exciting and seem excited that it’s finally time to step foot on the soccer field. Also in attendance, Tom Sermanni spoke of his enthusiasm to finally have players in town to coach. The Pride will now begin practicing in anticipation for their preseason game against the University of Florida.
Alex Morgan Tosses Coin for Orlando City
It seems as if all of Orlando Pride fans can rejoice as Alex Morgan has officially arrived in Orlando (again) after the SheBelieves Cup. At last night’s Orlando City game against the Chicago Fire, Morgan took part in the coin toss to start the match. She will begin training with the Pride this week.
.@alexmorgan13 with tonight’s coin toss. #ORLvCHI pic.twitter.com/DSL8vKRBZq
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 12, 2016
That's it for today, folks. Have a great Saturday, and go Lions!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/20/25
Orlando Pride take on Racing Louisville FC tonight, Orlando Pride players called up by Zambia, USMNT beats Saudi Arabia, and more.

Happy Friday! June continues to fly by as we enjoy the buffet of soccer here in the U.S. this month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but I am hoping to get some reading done after being gifted some books for my birthday. But enough about me, let’s jump right into today’s links!
Orlando Pride Face Racing Louisville Tonight
The Orlando Pride are on the road tonight for a match against Racing Louisville FC at 8 p.m. in the final game before a league break until August. Going into the break with four straight wins would be nice for the Pride, but they’ve struggled at Lynn Family Stadium over the years. Louisville enters this match following a 4-2 loss to the league-leading Kansas City Current and has scored eight goals over the past three games. Orlando’s defense has been phenomenal this year, conceding just eight goals this season and only one during this win streak. Midfielder Cori Dyke spoke on how the team is finding its groove and shutting out opponents.
Zambia Calls Up Orlando Pride Trio
Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya were all called up for Zambia’s CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations roster ahead of this summer’s tournament. Banda has eight goals this season with the Pride and had four goals at last year’s Olympics, including a hat trick against Australia. The Copper Queens claimed third place in the 2022 edition of this tournament, and they’ll need to be at their best to win this summer against tough opponents like South Africa and Nigeria. Zambia’s tournament campaign will kick off on July 5 against the host nation, Morocco.
USMNT Beats Saudi Arabia to Qualify for Quarterfinals
The United States Men’s National Team won 1-0 against Saudi Arabia to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals of this year’s Concacaf Gold Cup. After a scoreless first half, the Yanks broke through in the 63rd minute thanks to a free kick. Sebastian Berhalter served the ball on a silver platter to Chris Richards, who buried it for the crucial goal. The defense did well to secure its second shutout of the tournament, with Orlando City’s Alex Freeman starting at right back yet again. The USMNT will play Haiti on Sunday and should be able to win the group for a smoother path in the knockout stage.
FIFA Club World Cup Roundup
An MLS club finally won a game during this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, with Inter Miami beating Porto 2-1 in Atlanta. Lionel Messi scored the winner from a free kick to complete the comeback after conceding an early goal. The Seattle Sounders had a rougher day, falling 3-1 to Atletico Madrid, with Pablo Barrios scoring a brace. Former Lion Facundo Torres started for Palmeiras in the Brazilian club’s 2-0 win over Egypt’s Al Ahly.
Today’s action features more soccer at Inter&Co Stadium, with Benfica and Auckland City squaring off in the City Beautiful. Our Michael Citro will be on hand to report on it. Elsewhere in the U.S., Chelsea will take on Flamengo, LAFC will face ES Tunis, and Bayern Munich will play Boca Juniors.
Free Kicks
- Canada Head Coach Jesse Marsch, who is already serving a suspension for misconduct during the Nations League, is under investigation by Concacaf for incidents during this Gold Cup. Reports detail that Marsch disregarded regulations and used offensive language toward match officials.
- Kylian Mbappe was discharged from the hospital after suffering from a case of gastroenteritis. It’s unclear if or when he’ll play for Real Madrid during the Club World Cup.
- Carlos Cuesta was hired as Parma’s next head coach after five years with Arsenal as an assistant coach. The 29-year-old becomes the second-youngest coach in Serie A history.
- Manchester City was fined over $1 million by the English Premier League for repeated delays regarding kickoff times.
That’s all I have for you all today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/19/25
Alex Freeman details his soccer journey, Orlando Pride players called up, Orlando City’s U-19 team advances to semifinals, and more.

Happy Juneteenth, Mane Landers! I hope everyone has a nice holiday as we commemorate the anniversary of the end of slavery in the U.S. There’s plenty of soccer going on, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the Club World Cup and Gold Cup here and there when not working. Let’s go ahead and dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!
Alex Freeman Details His Path to Pro Soccer
Orlando City right back Alex Freeman has been getting plenty of buzz during this breakout year, but an interview with Goal gave some great insight into how he reached this point. He made the bold decision to head to Orlando at 16 years old to chase his dream, and he detailed some of the difficulties of that move that may get overlooked as his career blooms.
“I remember my 16th birthday, it was the first birthday I ever spent without my family,” Freeman says. “It was the day after I moved to Orlando. I’ve never really talked about this, but, at first, it really took a toll on me. At 16, you really just want your family around for those important moments, and I felt like I was balancing so much without my family being there with me. I did so much of this in Orlando without my family. It’s hard for people to comprehend that.”
Freeman also talked about the pace of his development within Orlando’s organization, along with what it was like to play against Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz in his recent international debut. There are also some great quotes from Oscar Pareja and United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino worth checking out.
Orlando Pride Players Called Up by USWNT
Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up for the United States Women’s National Team’s training camp roster ahead of friendlies against Ireland and Canada later this June. Both players were on the USWNT roster for recent friendlies, with Abello making her international debut on June 3 against Jamaica. The only player outside the NWSL who was called up for this roster is Naomi Girma. Rose Lavelle was called up for the first time this year, and 2024 NWSL Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune is also back in the fold. Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale, Izzy Rodriguez, and Sam Meza were all called up for the first time, as Head Coach Emma Hayes continues to grow the player pool.
Orlando City Makes MLS NEXT Cup Semifinals
Orlando City’s U-19 team continues to impress this year and advanced to the semifinals of this year’s MLS NEXT Cup. Forward Justin Ellis was named Player of the Day for scoring twice in a 3-3 draw against Toronto FC, with Orlando coming out on top in the ensuing penalty shootout.
The U-19 team is the last Orlando academy team still playing across the tournament’s age groups. It will take on Cedar Stars Academy in the semifinals on Friday with a spot in Sunday’s final on the line. Enjoy watching the youngsters celebrate clinching a spot in the next round.
Upcoming NWSL Action Before League Break
We have another weekend of NWSL soccer to look forward to before the league pauses until August due to various international tournaments. The Pride will look to make it four straight wins when they face Racing Louisville FC on the road Friday night. Louisville has allowed 22 goals this season, so hopefully Barbra Banda and the rest of Orlando’s offense can get things going after close wins in the past two games.
Elsewhere in the league, I think Saturday’s match between NJ/NY Gotham FC and Bay FC will be an interesting showdown. Gotham forward Esther González leads the league with nine goals this season, but it’s ultimately a close Golden Boot race at this point. Sunday’s match between the San Diego Wave and Washington Spirit pits two of the league’s top four teams against each other, making it a great way to close out the weekend before the break.
USMNT Takes On Saudi Arabia Tonight
The Yanks are back in action tonight for a Concacaf Gold Cup group game against Saudi Arabia, the guest nation of this year’s tournament. After a 5-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, the U.S. can claim the top spot in the group and all but guarantee a place in the next round with a win over Saudi Arabia. There are still some question marks regarding who will rise to the occasion in the midfield and at forward, but the USMNT has the talent to get the job done tonight at Q2 Stadium in Austin. The U.S. will then close out group play on Sunday against Haiti in Arlington, TX.
Free Kicks
- Sams, Banda, Anna Moorhouse, and Cori Dyke were all named to CBS Sports‘ NWSL Team of the Week after the Pride’s 1-0 win over Bay FC.
- Joao Klauss won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his lethal strike on the volley from a tight angle. The goal equalized things in stoppage time against the LA Galaxy and completed Klauss’ hat trick in the 3-3 draw.
- USWNT and Portland Thorns defender Meghan Klingenberg has officially retired from professional soccer. She won two NWSL Shields, two NWSL Championships, and the 2015 Women’s World Cup, while also making an impact off the field speaking up for equality.
- The San Jose Earthquakes have begun the process of selling a controlling interest in the club.
- Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid’s new manager began with a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal at the Club World Cup. Federico Valverde had a chance to win it in stoppage time from the penalty stop, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou came up with the critical save.
- Chris Wilder and Sheffield United have parted ways less than a month after the club fell 2-1 to Sunderland in the playoff final for promotion to the English Premier League. Ruben Selles, who was dismissed as Hull City’s manager last month, was named as Wilder’s replacement.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Juneteenth and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/18/25
Scouting Saudi Arabia, Club World Cup summary, MLS midseason superlatives, and more.

Happy Wednesday, everyone. I’m pretty worn out after doing some traveling for most of the last two weeks, and I’m happy to be back home in Tampa for a bit before heading out on the road again. The soccer world has not paused during my time out on the road, and if anything its only picked up in intensity. That means we have a lot to talk about, but before we get into today’s links, let’s wish Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle a happy birthday.
Scouting Saudi Arabia
The United States Men’s National Team will continue its 2025 Gold Cup campaign on Thursday when it takes on Saudi Arabia in Austin, TX. That means this is a good time to familiarize ourselves with Arabian Falcons. They’re coached by Herve Renard, who deployed the team in a 4-2-3-1 in a 1-0 victory over Haiti in the team’s first game of the tournament. He isn’t married to that formation though, and will use a variety of tactical setups depending on the situation. Across all of them, Saudi Arabia plays with an emphasis on pressing in specific areas and quickly breaking in transition once winning the ball. Like the USMNT, the Saudis are missing a few first-choice players, and the midfield battle should be a particularly interesting area to keep an eye on.
Club World Cup Roundup
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continued on Wednesday, so let’s take a look at the action. Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund got things started as they battled to a scoreless draw at MetLife Stadium. The Brazilian team had the better of the game overall, but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made five saves to preserve a point for his team. The second game of the day was much livelier, as River Plate dispatched Urawa Red Diamonds 3-1 in Seattle. The Argentinians scored after just 12 minutes and never looked back despite Urawa making it a 2-1 game with a 58th-minute penalty. The third match took place at Inter&Co Stadium, and saw Mamelodi Sundowns beat Ulsan HD 1-0. While the scoreline didn’t reflect it, the South African team mostly dominated proceedings and finished with 68% possession and 718 passes to 325 for the South Korean side. However, it was a free-flowing game that offered both sides to take more from the match. Our Michael Citro was there to recap it for you at the link above.
Midseason MLS Superlatives
As much as it seems like the 2025 Major League Soccer season just started, we’re actually just past the halfway point of the campaign, and that means it’s a good time to look at some league superlatives. In a category that will be music to the ears of Orlando City fans, Bradley Wright-Phillips named fullback the most overlooked position and specifically took some time to praise Alex Freeman. BWP previously coached against Freeman with New York Red Bulls II when Alex was still with Orlando City B, so it’s interesting to hear his input from that additional aspect. It’s no surprise that the Vancouver Whitecaps got a lot of love, as they were named biggest surprise, and Jesper Sorensen was named best coach.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
Transfer season is in full swing, so here are some of the big rumors currently flying around. Manchester United is reportedly interesting in signing Callum Hudson-Odoi from Nottingham Forest, but the Red Devils face competition from Roma and Napoli. Arsenal might hit a snag in searching for a striker, as the Gunners are balking at paying the asking prices for either Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, because they consider those numbers to be too high. Three different teams from the Saudi Pro League have reportedly shown interest in signing Son Heung-Min from Tottenham Hotspur, as he only has 12 months left on his current contract.
Free Kicks
- Get a peek at the Orlando Pride putting in work on the training ground.
- FIFA has been criticized after quietly doing away with its anti-racism messaging during the Club World Cup.
- Negative press for the tournament doesn’t stop there, as La Liga president Javier Tebas has said it’s his mission to eliminate the competition from existence.
- Atlanta United is reportedly closing in on a center back signing.
- The Washington Spirit have signed Sofia Cantore from Juventus.
And that’s it for me today. Have a great rest of your week. Vamos, Orlando!
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